TryGOLD- Free

Talking to the animals ZOOKEEPER'S AMAZING BOND
New Zealand Woman's Weekly|June 17, 2024
It's been a wild ride and one Christine will miss on her tamer new chapter
- Kasia De Vydt-Jillings
Talking to the animals ZOOKEEPER'S AMAZING BOND

For 44 years, rain or shine, Christine Tintinger woke up, put on her uniform and went to work as a zookeeper at Auckland Zoo, ready for whatever the day had to offer.

In that time, she's experienced it all, from watching a baby orangutan's birth and being a companion to tea party chimpanzee Janie, to featuring on the popular television show The Zoo and travelling to Sumatra to see primate conservation in the wild.

As she retires this year, Christine sat down with the Weekly to talk about her impressive tenure.

"I'm lucky to have worked in a place that has given me so much pleasure," enthuses Christine, 65. "The zoo is like a little microcosm of life. There are births, deaths and marriages. Amazing, happy things and sad things, and things that come out of leftfield you never saw coming. But you deal with what's in front of you and move on because other animals are relying on you."

This get-it-done attitude has served Christine well from her first days on the job as a 21-year-old in the ungulates (hoofed mammal) section, looking after giraffes, deer and antelopes.

"It's a very physically demanding section, but I'm the sort of person that just gets on and does it," she explains. "I can visualise my younger self raking in the hot sun, thinking, 'I have achieved what I wanted to and look at little old me right where I wanted to be.""

Christine's ambition to become a zookeeper started as a teenager, inspired by prominent British conservationist and TV presenter Gerald Durrell's animal books.

This story is from the June 17, 2024 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 17, 2024 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW ZEALAND WOMAN'S WEEKLYView All
The bearer OF GIFTS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

The bearer OF GIFTS

Jeremy reckons kids are in it just for the loot, but sometimes they truly care

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024
This is for MY MUM
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

This is for MY MUM

Jude’s star shines bright because of a special lady

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
Five minutes with...MIRIAM MARGOLYES
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Five minutes with...MIRIAM MARGOLYES

The beloved actor puts on her witches britches to star alongside Rhys Darby

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024
Pack up your TROUBLES!
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Pack up your TROUBLES!

While the getting there can be a hassle, Michele explains the beauty of a trip

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024
Dog-less days ARE OVER
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Dog-less days ARE OVER

Kevin is getting ready to hear the pitter-patter of small paws once again

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024
A bit of a STRETCH
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

A bit of a STRETCH

Bend and extend your way to amore flexible 2025!

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024
Habits that STICK
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Habits that STICK

As the festive cheer fades and January begins, the allure of setting those ambitious, life-changing New Year’s resolutions can be very tempting.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024
Paragliding survivor I'M LOOKING FOR A MIRACLE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Paragliding survivor I'M LOOKING FOR A MIRACLE'

Hayley-Marie loved the feeling of flying like a bird, but after an accident left her paralysed, she’s more determined than ever she'll soar again

time-read
3 mins  |
December 23, 2024
Queen of the court SHELAGH'S AN ACE VOLUNTEER!
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Queen of the court SHELAGH'S AN ACE VOLUNTEER!

It's love all for the tennis fan, who'll be serving up more hugs at the ASB Classic

time-read
4 mins  |
December 23, 2024
'Our nature baby!"' THE NZ BUSINESS THAT BOOMED
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

'Our nature baby!"' THE NZ BUSINESS THAT BOOMED

How a resourceful couple cottoned on to an idea and made it truly sustainable

time-read
3 mins  |
December 23, 2024

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more